Evacuated residents claim they were left stranded in the cold by authorities after a shisha bar fire in Barnet on Monday 3 March.
When Blvck Lounge shisha bar caught fire in Monday’s early hours at approximately 12.45am, 18 people had to be evacuated from their flats above the commercial property.
Police, ambulances and Barnet Council were at the scene on Watford Way, NW7, along with ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters
Barnet Council opened an Emergency Rest Centre for residents following evacuations.
However, a witness claimed individuals were forced to wait outside until after 6am before being offered access to this shelter by authorities.
Prior to the council’s Rest Centre evacuation, some families with young children stood outside in sub-zero temperature before being redirected.
Once at the Rest Centre, displaced resident claimed they had little correspondence from the council and were unable to return to their homes for days afterwards.
A witness recalled abrupt and harsh attitudes from the Metropolitan Police towards victims on the night as well.
Residents have been left feeling shut out following their ordeal, as a resident claimed neither Barnet Council nor the police have made meaningful contact to ensure wellbeing.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “The safety of the public is a priority in such situations and people will only be allowed back into a building when it is safe to do so, and all the relevant investigative work has taken place.
“Unfortunately this can take time and does involve agencies other than the police.”
The London Fire Brigade reported that the fire’s cause remains under investigation.
Barnet Council were approached for comment.
Join the discussion